Key West-Boca Chica Field NAS

Shortly after takeoff from Key West-Boca Chica Field NAS, while climbing, the seaplane stalled and crashed few hundred metres offshore. All eight crew members were killed.

Crashed in unknown circumstances into the sea some 40 km northeast of Boca Chica Field NAS, Key West. All five crew members were killed.
Crew:
2nd Lt Meredith M. Aylor,
F/O Robert E. Langdon,
S/Sgt Arthur C. Wetterman,
Cpl Thomas John Cruise,
Pfc Charles J. Zeleski.

The seaplane departed Key West-Boca Chica Field NAS on a maritime patrol flight. The takeoff procedure was started in a little crosswind. After gaining speed, the pilot turned slightly to avoid obstructions. As the airplane began to skid to the right, the pilot attempted to stall the airplane off the water to come out of the skid. The starboard windshield was broken by spray and hull strain, causing confusion in the cockpit. As the airplane was apparently out of control, throttles were cut back. The right wingtip float dug in violently into water, the hull broke vertically on the port side from keel to top of hull, and the wing shifted forward and downward and rotated slightly clockwise, causing the port propeller to dig into the cockpit. A large hole was ripped in mechanics compartment, causing the seaplane to sank quickly in shallow waters (about 3 metres). Two crew members, among them the pilot, were killed, and eight others were injured.
Crew:
Lt Robert W. Cummings, pilot, †
Ens Robert E. Gregan,
Ens James H. Fick,
Ap1c Jack F. Bouldin,
Aamic Thomas Kell,
Amm3c Clifford J. O'Malley, †
Wtic Max G. Moore,
Rm2c Paul D. Eastley,
Rm3c Harold W. Hollinger,
Lt(mc) Bruce L. Kendall.

The seaplane hit a high wave while taking off from Key West-Boca Chica NAS, made a full stall landing and sank. All crew survived.